Therapy's End

The Iraq conflict ignited transatlantic tensions smoldering since theend of the Cold War. Although politicians in both Europe and Americaprofess to regret the obvious split within the once-sturdy AtlanticAlliance, the United States and its people clearly perceive theirsecurity needs very differently than do most of Europe's governmentsand all of its populations. NATO is not the solution to this split;it is the heart of the problem. The continuing existence of this ColdWar relic stands in the way of the necessary evolution of Europeanintegration to include full responsibility for Continental security.In the 21st century, Europe can neither become a responsible powercenter nor a competent partner for the United States so long asEuropeans remain dependent on a non-European power for theirsecurity--or even for the appearance of their security.

Given that U.S. primacy cannot endure, and that accommodating Russia and China is unwise, Washington should work with Moscow, Beijing and others to promote the establishment of functioning collective-security regimes in Europe and Asia.